Walworth County officials: Illinois man leads high-speed pursuit ending in fiery crash
WALWORTH COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- An Illinois man is in custody after leading authorities in Walworth County on a high-speed chase before crashing into a gas line.
The incident happened on July 18, around 3 a.m.
The Walworth County Sheriff's Office says they were notified of a stolen vehicle from Illinois involved in a pursuit with McHenry County officials. The driver reportedly entered Wisconsin and was traveling over 100 mph while driving on sidewalks in Genoa City.
A short time later, Walworth County Sheriff's Office deputies located the driver on Spring Creek Road where he once again fled -- traveling approximately 85 mph.
According to the sheriff's office, the fleeing suspect continued to drive recklessly before failing to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection of Spring Creek Road and County Highway H, where he struck a gas line which immediately ignited.
Officials say the driver was then seen exiting the vehicle through a back window and running from the scene. The driver, identified as Brandon Jimenez of Illinois, was found hiding in an area of thick, tall brush. A Walworth County Sheriff's Office K-9 officer was used to take Jimenez into custody.
Jimenez was transported to a nearby hospital and then to the Walworth County Jail where he's awaiting charges.
Pursuit ends in fiery crash in Walworth County
Pursuit ends in fiery crash in Walworth County